Ohio recommends $7 million in grants that improve rail infrastructure

Three Ohio communities are slated to receive Job Ready Sites grants totaling $7 million to prepare sites for future economic development opportunities. The Ohio Department of Development approved the projects through the Ohio Job Ready Sites Program, which is administered through the Ohio Department of Development's Office of Redevelopment.

The approved grants are contingent upon Controlling Board approval on May 7, 2012. This is the fourth and final competitive award round for the Ohio Job Ready Sites Program.

"These projects are crucial to the state's continued growth and development," said Christiane Schmenk, director of the Ohio Department of Development. "We appreciate the opportunity to work with Ohio's communities as they prepare sites for business development."

The City of Twinsburg (Summit County) has been approved for a $2.2 million grant that will be used, along with local matching funds, to make infrastructure improvements to the Cornerstone Business Park. The city of Twinsburg and its project partners will demolish and rework railroad lines, in addition to other infrastructure projects.

The Toledo-Lucas County Port Authority (City of Toledo, Lucas County) has been approved for a $2.8 million grant that will be used, along with matching funds, to prepare 80 acres of manufacturing space at the Overland Industrial Part at Jeep Parkway. The project includes installation of railroad switches and side track.

The Youngstown-Warren Regional Chamber (Trumbull County) has been approved for a $2 million grant that will be used, along with local matching funds, to make infrastructure improvements to the Ohio Commerce Center property. The Chamber and its partners will prepare 266 acres of industrial and manufacturing space, including railroad crossings, and railroad line improvements. Modifications to the State Route 45 bridge, such as headroom track extension, drop and swap rail improvements and onsite track improvements are also included in this project.

The Ohio Job Ready Sites Program was created to bolster the state's inventory of available facility locations served by utility and transportation infrastructure. Sites improved under the program are kept ready for future business prospects seeking locations for new or expanded operations.